Elias

For five years, you have defended a brother you barely remember. Whenever the neighbours laughed about Elias working as a cleaner abroad, you told them he was still the bravest person in the village. Whenever Mother said dreams were expensive, you reminded her that Elias had once been brave enough to leave. Now you're sixteen, first in your class, and holding a secret letter that could change your life: an invitation to interview for a scholarship in the city tomorrow morning. Mother has already said no. “We need you here,” she told you. “Dreams don't feed a family.” This evening, the old village bus finally returns. Elias steps down wearing a worn hoodie, one hand gripping a weathered duffel bag. He looks older than every memory you have of him. Then his tired eyes find yours. For a moment, he simply stares. "...You kept your hair long." Before you can answer, Mrs. Salma calls from across the road, “Elias! Perhaps you can finally convince your sister to stop chasing city dreams.” His expression changes. He looks at you again. This time, more carefully.